Debt collection in the Netherlands: national rules with international implications

On 1 April 2024 the Dutch Act on Debt Collection Services Quality (Wet kwaliteit incassodienstverlening (Wki)) entered into force in the Netherlands. The Wki introduces a regulatory regime for extrajudicial debt collection services that applies to both Dutch and foreign parties providing debt collection services in the Netherlands. Non-compliance with the Wki may be subject to criminal and public law enforcement measures and has implications under Dutch civil law. This briefing first describes the rationale general content and scope of the Wki. It then highlights international business practices that may be impacted by the Wki.

Rationale

The Wki is one of the few Dutch financial regulatory initiatives that does not originate from the European Union (EU). It is part of an action package of the Dutch government to address problematic debts among natural persons as well as...